issue 2 soccer - ourcitysc.com · northumberland-born 49-year-old his biggest challenge yet, having...

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SoccerCoaChing praCtiCes from english football league managers and CoaChes

www.elitesoccercoaching.net ISSUE 2

ExclusiveTraining practices from top professional managers

steve foleyQuick Play In The Penalty Box

dave JonesPenalty Box Battles

Keith hill Cutting Out Counter-Attacks

bobby davisonHigh Tempo Attack & Defend

lma ambassador

paul simpsonThe Back Four

stoCKport CountyCardiff City roChdale england under-19s

In partnershIp wIth

SuNDErlAND

steve bruCe

deCisivedefending• As individuals • As pairs• Against overloads

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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07Keith HillROCHDALE

Cuttng out counter- attacks

11Bobby DavisonENGLAND UNDER-19 s

High tempo attacking and defending

05Dave JonesCARDIFF CITY

Penalty box battles

09Paul SimpsonSTOCKPORT COUNTY

The back four

13Steve FoleyLMA AMBASSADOR

Quick play in the penalty box

ISSUE 04 NOVEMBER 2010: WELCOME & CONTENTS

Dear Coach,

Sunderland’s Steve Bruce has dipped into his wealth of experience - as both a manager and

player - to bring us a tremendous session on defending in this month’s Elite

Soccer. The Black Cats are now a real force in the Barclays Premier League, and the former Manchester United defender gives us an idea why, describing the best way to defend as individuals and a pair.

And straight from the training ground we have fi ve more insightful sessions. Cardiff City boss Dave Jones, who took the Bluebirds into the Championship automatic promotion places at the end of October, offers a routine on penalty box battles, while Rochdale manager Keith Hill describes how protecting against counter-attacks has been so valuable for his side in recent seasons.

Stockport County boss Paul Simpson looks at the structure of the back four, while England Under-19 coach Bobby Davison offers a view on high tempo attacking and defending. And to conclude, we have a session involving quick movement in the box from LMA Ambassador Steve Foley.

We’re sure these insightful tactical contributions from some of the best coaches in the game will help you get the most out of your players.

Enjoy the issue and we’ll see you again next month,

James Evans, Editor

Training ground drills from the English game’s best coaches

Elite Soccer is a monthly publication for professional, semi-professional and aspiring soccer coaches and is available by subscription only. £97 for 12 issues.To subscribe email [email protected] or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894

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03Steve BruceSUNDERLAND

2 NOVEMBER 2010

Defending as individuals and pairs

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

What do I get the players to do?The keeper throws the ball out to one of his three attackers. Ahead of them are two defenders. The attackers must progress into the opposing half, exchanging passes and looking to fashion a shot on goal.

Defenders must organise themselves well, tracking the ball but also looking for attackers running into space. The move will end either with a goal or a defensive clearance.

Now switching direction, the two defenders become attackers and are joined by another player from the side. The three initial attackers exit the pitch and return to their gate. They are replaced by two players who now act as defenders, thus creating a new 3v2 overload, where the attacking keeper begins play. Keep rotating this set-up for 15 minutes.

SUNDERLAND

Steve BruceDefending as individuals and pairsOverview:We often think of the defence as a unit comprising four or more players, but it’s common for one or two defenders to fi nd themselves in situations where they are exposed to an overload of attackers. At Sunderland, our ability to practise and prepare for different scenarios has meant we’ve already kept clean sheets this season against Manchester United and Manchester City.

This session is per-formed on a regular basis at Sunderland, and is one where concentration and communication are absolutely essential.

DEFENDING AS INDIVIDUALS AND PAIRS: MAIN SESSION

SETUPAREA

40x30 yards, two full-size goals, 2 cones marking the halfway line, 4 more marking entry gatesEQUIPMENT

Goals, balls, conesNUMBER OF PLAYERS

12 to 20

“Our ability to practise and organise has meant we’ve already this season kept clean sheets against Manchester United and Manchester City.”

3 NOVEMBER 2010

1

2

3

Ballmovement PlayermovementDribble

KEY


KEY


KEY

Attackers approach with a 3v2 overload.

They must combine to beat the two defenders and move in on goal.

The move ends and play switches – defenders are now attackers and vice versa.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?Although a simple at-tacking drill, this is very intense for defenders. Jockeying and back-tracking techniques work muscle groups, particularly as defend-ers have to adopt a low body stance whilst moving backwards. Quick feet are essen-tial, as is good shot-blocking. We also look at position, distance from the ball, directing of the opposition, plus communication and knowledge of when to cover and when to press.

How do I progress the session?Change the width of the pitch as this dictates the level of diffi culty for defenders – the wider, the more challenging. Also look at the number of touches allowed - a two-touch game for attackers works defenders as a pair, while all-in for attackers provokes 1v1 dribbling for defenders to adjust to.

How would you put this into a game situation?Play 6v6 attacking one goal on a half pitch, with the emphasis on full-backs and centre-backs fi nding and holding position. Attackers must produce overload scenarios, but the defensive line needs to counter the threat by pressing as individuals, or closing a man down in tandem.

Steve BruceSUNDERLAND

Steve Bruce is one

of a rare breed to

have advanced a

tremendous playing

career by moving

successfully into

football management.

Joining Sunderland in

June 2009 – his sixth

time in a hotseat -

arguably offered the

Northumberland-

born 49-year-old his

biggest challenge

yet, having already

overseen promotions

at Birmingham City and

Wigan Athletic.

And the Barclays

Premier League side

are tipped to do well this

term, having already

taken points off four of

last year’s top six.

Bruce’s fi rst

managerial post was at

Sheffi eld United in 1998,

before he progressed

his knowledge at Wigan,

Huddersfi eld Town and

Crystal Palace.

It is for his time at

Birmingham that

he is probably most

respected, with two

promotions and three

mid-table Premier

League fi nishes.

As a player, Bruce was

a pivotal force at the

heart of the Manchester

United defence during

the club’s rise back to

fame in the early 1990s.

He won seven major

trophies at Old Trafford,

including the Double.

DEFENDING AS INDIVIDUALS AND PAIRS: PROGRESSION

4 NOVEMBER 2010

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

A 6v6 game situation on a half pitch.

The winger and midfi elder combine. Defenders must chase back to cover.

One defender prevents a pass into the six-yard box while another closes down to block the shot.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


What do I get the players to do?Line up a row each of attackers and defenders on the right-hand side of the penalty box. Invite one defender and one attacker to take up a position in the middle. Another attacker moves to the edge of the larger marked out area where he will receive the ball from a team-mate in the row. He passes in to his fellow forward, who must control the pass and get a shot away.

The defender must be in a position where he can see the ball, and quick decision making is paramount – can he intercept it? If not, can he stop the attacker turning?

If the attacker does turn, the defender needs to adjust quickly in order to block the shot. Offsides apply, and always rotate players after a shot or clearance.

How do I progress the session?We will switch play to the left-hand side of the penalty box. We’ll

CARDIFF CITY

Dave JonesPenalty box battlesOverview:Defending is a skill that needs practise, as much as dribbling or passing. Within that, it’s vital that players win their 1v1 duels, particularly in and around the penalty box.

When we look back over matches where the team has emerged victorious, we’ll often fi nd that our defenders have performed the defending principles well. We believe that, despite all the other scenarios played out on the pitch, the core defensive elements are key.

This session provides a straightforward yet vital method of ensuring that those key parts are per-formed well.

PENALTY BOX BATTLES: MAIN SESSION

SETUPAREA

Penalty box, plus a marked area three yards in from each side of the box extended to 10 yards outside (i.e. 32x28 yards)EQUIPMENT

BallsNUMBER OF PLAYERS

11 (5 defenders, 5 attackers, 1 goalkeeper)

5 NOVEMBER 2010

“We believe that, despite all the other scenarios played out on the pitch, the core defensive elements are key.”

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

The ball is fed into the lead attacker.

He swivels past the defender and shoots.

In a 2v2 scenario, both teams must stay organised.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


also invite an additional attacker and defender to create a 2v2.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?Repeating this move provokes good decision making by defenders. We look for balance, quick feet, and the ability to stay upright. Good defenders restrict either time or space, will direct attackers away from goal, and are aware of the danger of follow-ups resulting from goalkeeper saves.

How would you put this into a game situation?Mark out a pitch 40x50 yards, the length divided into two 25-yard halves. Add in 18-yard lines - offsides apply at this point. Play 6v6, using a keeper at each end, with six attackers starting in the middle sandwiched by two banks of three defenders.

Attackers link up to create space, and overload situations. They should try to remain in their respective left/centre/right channels - if they stray outside, they only have one touch. Defenders need to make quick decisions - when to mark the player and when to mark space.

When a move comes to an end, play switches direction and the six attackers now look to score in the other goal.

Dave JonesCARDIFF CITY

Liverpudlian Dave

Jones stepped into

management in 1995

after his playing career

was cut short by injury.

Success in his fi rst job

as youth-team coach

at Stockport County

saw him elevated up to

the position of fi rst-

team manager, and

he guided the club to

what is now the npower

Championship, as well

as the 1997 League Cup

semi-fi nals.

After a spell at

Southampton, Jones

joined Wolverhampton

Wanderers in January

2001, and he oversaw

the club’s return to

the top division for the

fi rst time in almost two

decades. Jones and

Wolves parted company

in 2004 but he made

a quick return to the

game with Cardiff City.

He took the south Wales

club to the 2008 FA Cup

Final, and a year later

they missed out on the

Championship play-offs

only on goal difference.

They went even better

last season, fi nishing

fourth, but lost 3-2 to

Blackpool in the play-off

fi nal. The club are well

tipped to fi nally make it

to the Barclays Premier

League this season

though.

PENALTY BOX BATTLES: PROGRESSION

6 NOVEMBER 2010

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

Defenders need to organise blocks despite a 6v3 overload.

The middle bank of six attackers combine.

A new move starts by switching play to the other end.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


What do I get the players to do?Play kicks off as it would in a standard game - the coach is involved on the pitch. One of the attacking team’s full-backs comes forward (in the example given it’s the left-back). When this player advances into the opposition half, the coach serves a new ball randomly to the other team, exposing opportunities to counter-attack. After the counter-attack has occurred, play is brought back to highlight vulnerable areas of the pitch.

The move is then run again. This time, better defensive organisation and greater balance is offered by instructing the left-back to support from deeper, whilst showing the remaining defenders and midfi elders the benefi t of forming a four-man square around the vulnerable centre circle area. Effective recovery runs are now possible.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?Players must be aware of the benefi t of screening and protecting the centre of the pitch, as this is the key area that is

ROCHDALE

Keith HillCutting out counter-attacksOverview:Analysis at the end of our 2008/09 League Two campaign showed we needed to develop a new collective responsibility to defend against the counter-attack. We knew this would increase our potential to keep clean sheets whilst also ensuring that we had players in good areas of the pitch in order to regain and maintain possession.

Our aim was therefore to produce a session that helped the players understand better their roles and responsibilities both in and out of possession, focusing on three key areas of the pitch.

CUTTING OUT COUNTER-ATTACKS: MAIN SESSION

SETUPAREA

60x40 yardsEQUIPMENT

Goals, cones, ballsNUMBER OF PLAYERS

18 (9v9 in 3-2-3 formations)

7 NOVEMBER 2010

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

Comparing 2008/09 season with 2009/10:

2008/ 2009/ 09 10

Points 70 82

Won 19 25

Lost 14 14

Drew 13 7

Scored 70 82

Conceded 59 48

Clean Sheets 9 14

Play starts, the coach lets the game fl ow normally.

The left-back’s forward run and a disorganised midfi eld creates vacant spaces and vulnerability to counter-attacks.

Midfi elders creating a square around the centre circle can cover counter-attacking threat.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


exploited in counter-attacks. There must be a collective responsibility in maintaining the defensive structure even when developing attacks.

How do I progress the session?Progress the session by expanding play onto a full-size pitch, with 11v11. Set up scenarios where, as play develops, each man is aware of how they need to move in terms of distance and direction.

In phase one, a proactive defensive strategy is deployed, using two central midfi eld players to prevent balls into strikers should possession be lost.

In phase two, which is the middle third, two central midfi elders cover space in order to maintain possession. Furthermore, their positions offer opportunities to regain possession. The goalkeeper advances and full-backs show awareness of covering space behind them.

In phase three, a ball is about to be delivered into the box, therefore players must be prepared for the possibility that the other team might win possession. In this instance, the central midfi eld players protect the centre of the pitch to prevent a counter-attack. Defenders who have pushed forward are ready to drop back.

Keith HillROCHDALE

In 2009/10, Keith Hill

oversaw the most

remarkable season in

Rochdale’s somewhat

fl at recent history. The

41-year-old negotiated

promotion from League

Two after the Yorkshire

outfi t had spent 36

consecutive years in the

bottom division. And

this season they look

in good shape to push

on again, with the aim

of making the npower

League One play-offs.

Hill joined Rochdale in

January 2007, recording

two top six fi nishes

before fi ne-tuning

the formula last year,

scooping double

Manager of the Month

awards plus third

place in the table. He

was voted League Two

Manager of the Year.

As a player, Hill

operated as a stylish yet

physical centre-back,

starting his career

with hometown club

Blackburn Rovers,

before moving on to

Plymouth Argyle,

Rochdale, Cheltenham

Town and Morecambe.

Before taking on the role

of fi rst-team manager

at Rochdale, he worked

as coach and director of

youth.

CUTTING OUT COUNTER-ATTACKS: PROGRESSION

8 NOVEMBER 2010

Phase one

Phase two

Phase three

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

Defenders and central midfi elders position themselves to protect space in phase one.

In phase two players are ready to drop back to cover areas.

Even in the attacking phase, protection of defensive positions is essential.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


What do I get the players to do?The goalkeeper releases the ball to a line of four attackers who, having started at the halfway line, approach on the left-hand side of the pitch. Three defenders approach, with the left-back only able to support his team-mates when the attack is less than 30 yards from goal.

Organise defenders so that the nearest to the ball moves forward to close down the man, and ensure that each player knows his position across the back four. In a confi ned area of the pitch, the defenders should work together to suffocate space and clear the danger. When this happens, or should they win possession, they pass it back to the keeper. If the attackers fi nd a way through look for defensive recovery runs to be made.

How do I progress the session?Progress this by adding a fifth attacker on the other side of the pitch. If play is switched the left-back needs to delay the forward progress of this extra player, allowing enough time for his fellow defenders to come across.

STOCKPORT COUNTY

Paul SimpsonThe back fourOverview:This session is all about making sure the defensive unit is organised. A strong, intelligent defence is crucial for keeping clean sheets, and achieving that aim is halfway towards winning matches.

No matter who the opposition are, there will come a time in every game when the back four will be asked the toughest of questions, and their ability to provide the right answers will have a huge impact on the fi nal outcome.

We practise the following move for 15 minutes, add an additional player and repeat, switching between the left and right sides of the pitch. We then put it into a 20-minute game situation.

THE BACK FOUR: MAIN SESSION

SETUPAREA

Half pitchEQUIPMENT

Balls, goalNUMBER OF PLAYERS

9 (goalkeeper, 4 defenders, 4 attackers)

9 NOVEMBER 2010

“No matter who the opposition are, there will come a time in every game when the back four will be asked the toughest of questions.”

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

Four attackers progress forward with the ball.

Defenders must be alert to attacking patterns.

A fi fth striker creates a positional challenge for the left-back.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?Ensure good lines of communication throughout, with defenders less than 15 yards apart and always looking to hold position, as well as being ready to make good recovery runs should play be switched quickly. In addition, the back four should always be looking to maintain a high line.

How would you put this into a game situation?Play in the space between the two 18-yard boxes and across the full width of the pitch, with a goal on each 18-yard line. This game is 7v7 but uses two additional neutral players.

Each side lines up with four defenders and two attackers. The two neutral players in the middle will join the side in possession, in effect offering a four-man forward line which approaches four defenders.

Allow free movement of full-backs as well to create possible attack-ing overload situations and encourage the game to fl ow naturally.

When possession changes hands, the two neutral players switch sides. Always look for players to display the technical and tactical principles rehearsed in the moves at the start of the session.

Paul SimpsonSTOCKPORT COUNTY

Paul Simpson was

confi rmed as the new

manager of Stockport

County on July 12, 2010.

He was previously in

charge of Shrewsbury

Town, where he enjoyed

considerable success,

guiding the club to the

play-off fi nal in his fi rst

full season in charge.

A skilful winger in his

day, Simpson enjoyed

a tremendous playing

career, turning out

for Manchester City,

Oxford United, Derby

County, Sheffi eld

United, Wolverhampton

Wanderers, Walsall and

Blackpool.

Simpson took up player/

manager roles at fi rst

Rochdale, then Carlisle

United, guiding the

Cumbrians back into

the Football League

after a solitary season in

the Conference. Moving

to Preston North End,

he gave the Lancashire

outfi t their highest

league fi nish for 55

years.

Simpson now has

Stockport moving in the

right direction – the club

having scored in eight

consecutive league

games from the end

of August in npower

League Two.

THE BACK FOUR: PROGRESSION

10 NOVEMBER 2010

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

Neutral players in the middle offer two more attacking outlets.

The right-back comes forward to create a 5v4 overload.

Possession changes hands and the neutral players switch allegiances.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


What do I get the players to do?Players line up at each side of the marked area. The coach will serve the ball to alternate ends, a player receives, then moves forward supported by two team-mates. Three players from the opposition team approach from the other side. The aim of the team in possession is to interchange passes, evade tackles and eventually get the ball across the opposition line. A high tempo is central to this move.

If the ball goes out of play a new ball is served – vary its delivery in terms of pace and height. If an interception is made, the opposing team goes straight on the attack. After a minute of game time has elapsed, rotate players.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?For the defending team, one man must go forward to close down. We look for individual and defensive awareness, the tracking of runners, plus the forcing of play down one channel. The key for the defence is to

ENGLAND UNDER-19S

Bobby DavisonHigh tempo attacking and defendingOverview:This session incorporates the key elements of both attacking and defending at pace. From the time spent coaching Ferencvaros in Hungary through to my current involvement in the England Under-19 set-up, developing an individual’s skills through passing, creating space, supporting, closing down, tracking and counter-attacking has always gone on to be of huge benefi t to the team as a whole.

This drill has worked particularly well in Europe where teams tend not to press as much. And in England Under-19s’ recent 2-0 win over Slovakia, this set-up within a 4-3-3 formation enabled us to constantly retrieve balls in dangerous situations.

HIGH TEMPO ATTACKING AND DEFENDING: MAIN SESSION

SETUPAREA

44x18 yards, no goalsEQUIPMENT

BallsNUMBER OF PLAYERS

6 up to full squad

11 NOVEMBER 2010

“In England Under-19s’ recent 2-0 win over Slovakia, this set-up enabled us to constantly retrieve balls in dangerous situations.”

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

Players confront each other as 3v3, attack versus defence.

High tempo and quick passing moves create opportunities.

The team scores by taking the ball to the other team’s baseline.

In partnershIp wIth


always be pressing to limit attackers’ passing options.Attackers must always progress forward – no backward passes. They need to provide supporting options always, whilst also displaying individual skills in order to beat the man.

How do I progress the session?Progress onto a 5v5 game, adding a goal and goalkeeper at each end. With more players, the emphasis should be for attackers to break in pairs and release runners. Defenders should aim to squeeze and compress play by getting as tight in as possible. Increase team numbers as suits, giving consideration to also increasing the size of the playing area, should the need arise.

How would you put this into a game situation?Adapt to 11v11 but retain a pitch size that is less than standard dimensions so that defenders appreciate the benefits of squeezing attacking play, while attackers use the exercise to perform a tight, accurate forward passing game in a restricted space.

Bobby DavisonEnglanD UnDEr-19s

Former Leeds United and Derby County legend Bobby Davison moved into coaching having hung up his playing boots in 1995 at the age of 35.

He has earned a reputa-tion as an excellent tactician with a talent for building a strong rapport with his players, having earned the UEFA A License whilst coach-ing at all levels of the game from the Premier League to non-league.

His time abroad saw him take the role of Director of Football at Hungary’s most successful club, Ferencvaros, in February 2008, quickly moving up to the role of manager. In his first full season in charge, the club won promotion back to the Hungarian top flight. Within that run was a club record 16-match winning streak.

Recently, Bobby has been coaching the England Under-19s side.

HIGH TEMPO ATTACKING AND DEFENDING: progression

12 novEmBER 2010

1

2

3

Ball movement Player movementDribble

KEy


KEy


KEy

Progress to a 5v5 game situation.

Defenders aim to compress the play while attackers will attempt to break out.

Exploiting tight wing areas is useful for forwards.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


What do I get the players to do?Divide 12 players into three teams. The whites have a player on the right and left of the box, plus another two along the 18-yard line, one either side of the arc. They remain outside the box at all times. Inside it, the blues set up to form a square, with reds in the shape of a cross.

The goalkeeper throws the ball out to any white player. While it is in the air, the coach calls out “yellow” or “red”. That team becomes attackers, the other team defenders. The attacking side must combine with the whites to get a shot in on goal - effectively, as an 8v4 overload. The white team plays one-touch and must only support, not shoot. The session is played at a high tempo.

When a move comes to an end, restart with the a new keeper. Keep players alert by only confi rming who the designated attackers will be when the ball is in fl ight.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?From the whites, we’re looking for control, accuracy of pass and a

LMA AMBASSADOR

Steve FoleyQuick play in the penalty boxOverview:In the modern game, penalty boxes are tight, congested areas to work in and around. This session helps players practise elements of quick approach play, strong and dedicated support, along with the ability to dispatch immediate shots on goal.

Individual skills are important, so we’ll encourage player traits such as subtle fl icks or quick directional changes. Combined with strong positional sense and dedicated practise, it means that opportunities can be produced in any area against any backline.

This is a straight-forward and relatively quick session lasting 10 minutes, with a further eight minutes for a small-sided game.

QUICK PLAY IN THE PENALTY BOX: MAIN SESSION

SETUPAREA

Penalty boxEQUIPMENT

Goal, balls, bibsNUMBER OF PLAYERS

14 (3 teams of 4 plus 2 goalkeepers)

13 NOVEMBER 2010

1

2

3


KEY


KEY


KEY

Play starts with a member of the white team.

Whites combine at high tempo with the designated attacking side.

In an 8v4 overload, a scoring chance is created and taken.

“Opportunities can be produced in any area against any backline.”

YELLOW

In partnershIp wIth


variety of crosses. The attacking team inside the box must use all options around them and must shoot quickly. Defenders must judge carefully when to press white players and when to close in on their opponents inside the penalty area.

How do I progress the session?Encourage attackers to turn and take on defenders rather than laying a simple ball back to a white man. Also experiment by adding an attacking player in the ‘D’ outside the 18-yard box. This player must stay in this area and can shoot using one touch, or act as an additional white supply man.

How would you put this into a game situation?Use two penalty areas placed together with a goal at either end to play a quick shooting game, 4v4 plus two keepers. White players continue to play as neutral – this time each patrolling a flank along half a pitch. When possession is turned over, the defending team can use their white flank player as a forward outlet as they break into the opposition’s half. Varying one and two-touch commands will also have an interesting effect on the pace of the match.

Steve FoleyLMA AMbASSAdor

As a player, Steve Foley made more than 300 league appearances in the centre of the park for Colchester United. Having worked his way into coaching, he spent a decade at Norwich City before joining rivals Ipswich Town.

He departed Portman Road in April of this year, and Foley now is involved in a number of nationwide coaching projects, having also passed on the benefit of his skills during spells at Colchester United and Watford. He has also operated as caretaker manager at Colchester on more than one occasion in the 1990s

QUICK PLAY IN THE PENALTY BOX: progression

14 NoVEmbER 2010

1

2

3


Key


Key


Key

In the small-sided game, quick interplay passing releases the ball to a neutral support player.

Good forward movement makes space for a shot.

The shot is blocked and the attack switches direction, the neutral player setting up a breakaway move.

issue 2 soccer - ourcitysc.com · northumberland-born 49-year-old his biggest challenge yet, having...

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